Sif you were talking about an athlete, you would say Narendra Modi is on a roll. India’s prime minister can do practically anything on the international stage. Modi is also a popular guest at the G7 in Elmau, a sought-after photo motif, but above all a strategic partner. Because India is needed, more than ever. The aspiring economy is to become a jack of all trades: a bulwark against China, an almost unlimited market and a democratic counter-proposal to the growing number of autocracies.
Both eyes have been closed for a long time. The growing number of human rights abuses committed by Modi’s Hindu nationalists seems to count for nothing in the face of the Chinese government’s crimes. The purchase of oil and coal in Moscow, with which the sanctions of the West are being undermined, is being minimized in view of Germany’s dependency on Russian gas in particular.
India’s increasing use of fossil fuels, intended to fuel growth, will only result in billions more in payments from the West – and in technology transfers designed to help the subcontinent go green. The West is trying to reduce India’s dependence on Russian weapons by supplying more and more American and European war equipment. India will be forgiven for not voting against the Russian attack on Ukraine to this day. It is also quickly forgotten that it was Modi who promised 100 million jobs and never created them, who teased the poor with useless depreciation and wanted to have Corona fully defeated before millions lost their lives.
It’s true: India offers unbelievable opportunities. Working to lift these together is essential. However, it would be naïve to believe that the Modi government is an easy partner. She calculates very precisely that the West needs India more than ever in these years. For a long time she has been maneuvering on the verge of abusing goodwill.
India is not a second China. But even with a view to New Delhi, the West is in danger of being blinded by the beautiful appearance.
